PERSEVERANCE AND GROUNDWORK!

“Hard work is the key to success”, loved this saying when I was growing up and as a matter of fact I still believe knowing where you are going and working diligently with a titanium focus is the key to success. Having said that, there is the need to put in the groundwork and check all avenues in order to complete tasks efficiently. The ground work for me this week was calling graphic designers/ artists to design the KlipXtreme products; starting with the yellow pages. Do not knock the phone book although there is the internet I like to find information at one location instead of browsing through endless internet pages. The yellow pages gave me a number of prospective artists and excitement overwhelmed me as I started to make the calls.

However to my disappointment these graphic designers did not specialise in graffiti, it seems everyone is concentrating on producing computer graphics. It seems the companies do online integrated marketing strategies for companies and may also include business consulting, since the internet is a big part in how companies today are doing businesses there is need for an attractive and well thought of websites to appeal to and retain customers. Some of the other companies engage in banner making such as the sale, discounts, name of the business on a piece of material you see outside various stores. Others had stickers which may be an avenue to explore in custom designing KlipXtreme items. Ms. Alleyne also helped me in getting into contact with persons that were involved in airbrushing and graffiti but unfortunately they too have moved on to different areas of business or involved in digital art.

The second set of ground work was, of course, continuing to call potential S.E.E.D (Small Enterprises for Education and Development) members and this is where you are introduce to very interesting persons and get to know what companies have to offer. There is always the initial way that I prepare to speak to someone; I review my pitch still, one can say I am truly now a pro and I think of something funny that happened with my family, friends, strangers on the street and finally I always make sure I have my note book open to take quick notes and to even write my answers to customers questions. Then there in the updating the database stage where  you basically write additional information about the client such as email address, additional numbers, name of  the person responsible for marketing or sales decisions and conversation details. The database is updated immediately after a call is finished and most importantly, updating in such a way where everyone can understand what is written. In addition to the database the schedule is also updated only if a presentation is scheduled. The final stage is correspondence where if a potential client asks for additional information about S.E.E.D or wants to take the next step and become a member (big Yes!! Yes!!! if this happens). The correspondence is done through email so that while persons are presented with a verbal explanation by phone, emailing S.E.E.D information provides written information and clients can refer to their email in the course of making a decision about this spectacular initiative. I will continue to work hard and work towards making KlipXtreme unique.